Canucks Star Returns To Practice As Series With Kings Set To Begin

Daniel Sedin #22 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates his goal to take a 2-1 lead in front of Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at the Staples Center on March 5, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Vancouver Canucks leading scorer Daniel Sedin has returned to practice after missing nine games with a concussion.

Sedin was on the ice Monday before his teammates began their scheduled practice and remained with them, although there was no indication he would be ready to play when the Canucks open the playoffs Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Sedin led Vancouver with 30 goals before being elbowed by Duncan Keith in a loss to Chicago on March 21. Keith was suspended five games for the hit.

Vancouver closed the regular season by winning eight of nine games to finish with the league’s best record with fourth-liners like Max Lapierre and Zack Kassian on the top line.